How to Use the WordArt Feature in Microsoft Word

By eHow Computers Editor

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The WordArt feature in Microsoft Word allows you to create large, colorful words or phrases in a variety of styles and colors. Using WordArt adds pizazz to a document and calls attention to certain sections. Follow the steps below use the WordArt feature in Microsoft Word.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Open the document you want to use or start a new document by using the "New" option located in the Microsoft Word "File" menu. From the "Insert Menu" at the top, click "Picture" and then "WordArt." A WordArt gallery window will open with a list of style options. Click the design you want and then click "OK" to insert the WordArt into your office document.

Step2

A new "Edit WordArt Text" window will prompt you to enter your desired text. Type the text. In this window you can also change the font style and text size by selecting these options on the drop down menus. You can also make the text bold or italic by clicking the "Bold" or "Italic" icons.

Step3

When the text for your WordArt is ready, click "OK." Your new WordArt will appear in the Word document. Don't worry if it does not appear in the correct location. You can move the WordArt at any time.

Step4

Move the WordArt to the correct position. Place your cursor anywhere on the words (the cursor will change to a cross with arrows). Right click the mouse and drag the cursor to the desired location on the page. When you let go of the mouse, the screen will display three options: "Move Here," "Copy Here" and "Cancel." Click "Move Here."

Step5

Edit the WordArt text if needed. Place your cursor anywhere on the words (the cursor will change to a cross with arrows). Right click the mouse and a small gray box with several options will appear; click "Edit Text."

Step6

To edit the colors, size or alignment, place your cursor anywhere on the words. Right click the mouse and a small gray box with several options will appear, click "Format WordArt." Select the "Colors and Lines" tab to change the colors. Select the "Size" tab to change the height and width using the drop down boxes. Select the "Layout" tab to change the alignment with the regular text in the Word document.

Step7

To make an exact copy of the WordArt, move the mouse over the WordArt, right click, select "Copy" then select "Paste" from MS Word's "Edit" menu. You can move the new WordArt to any location using the instructions in Step 4.

Tips & Warnings

There is a WordArt Toolbar that enables quick edits by clicking icons. To display the toolbar on the screen, move the mouse over the WordArt, right click and select "Show WordArt Toolbar."
An alternate way to edit the text, colors, size and layout is to place your cursor over the WordArt and click once (an outline will appear around the WordArt). Then go to the main menu and click "Format" and then "WordArt."
To become comfortable with the WordArt feature, create a sample office document and play around with the various editing options.
If you run into trouble, try the "Help" feature. Go to the main menu and click "Help." You can view a list of help topics or search for specific information.
When you create a WordArt, the view on the screen will automatically change to Print Layout. If you are used to working in the "View Normal" mode, don't change the view because the WordArt will not display when the screen is in Normal mode.